Safaricom has launched an upgraded version of its 5G for Business service, designed to offer small and medium enterprises (SMEs) faster, more dependable connectivity to meet their evolving digital demands, including real-time collaboration, seamless online transactions, and remote operations.
The announcement was made at the ‘Grow with Safaricom Business’ Western Kenya edition, part of the ongoing Sambaza Furaha na Safaricom Caravan.
This platform aims to educate SMEs on leveraging technology to scale their operations.
| Old Speeds | New Speeds | Price (KES) |
|---|---|---|
| 10 Mbps | 50 Mbps | 4,000 |
| 20 Mbps | 100 Mbps | 5,000 |
| 50 Mbps | 250 Mbps | 10,000 |
The enhanced 5G for Business offers speeds five times faster than before, ensuring a superior customer experience.
“The new 5G for Business allows SMEs to access enterprise-grade internet without straining their budgets, enabling them to enhance productivity, improve customer interactions, and scale their operations effectively in today’s connected world,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO of Safaricom PLC.
As part of the launch, businesses signing up for 5G plans between November 29 and December 31, 2024, will receive a 25% discount on all 5G packages.
According to the Kenya Institute of Public Policy, Research and Analysis, the country is home to over 7.4 million MSMEs, employing around 14.9 million Kenyans and contributing 30% of the GDP.
Safaricom is East Africa’s leading telecommunications company, connecting over 45.9 million customers through 2G, 3G, 4G, and 5G networks, covering over 99% of Kenya’s population.
It supports over 1.1 million jobs directly and indirectly, with its total economic value estimated at KES 542 billion ($4.2 billion) for the 12 months ending March 2023.
Listed on the Nairobi Securities Exchange, Safaricom reported annual revenues nearing Ksh 335.4 billion as of March 2024.
The company also operates M-PESA, Africa’s largest FinTech platform, which has driven financial inclusion in Kenya to 83.7% of adults in 2021, up from 26.7% in 2006, generating KES 139.9 billion in revenue for FY24.
Through Safaricom Telecommunications Ethiopia, the company contributes to Ethiopia’s digital transformation.
Safaricom also strives for gender parity in senior management by 2025 and is committed to becoming a Net Zero carbon-emitting company by 2050, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
